On October 6, 2024, Palestinian journalist Hassan Hamad, just 19 years old, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on his home in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. His death brings the total number of journalists killed since the onset of the current conflict to 175, as reported by Gaza’s Government Media Office​.

Hamad had been actively documenting the ongoing violence in Gaza for a year and was known for his determination to report despite significant personal risk. Just days prior to his death, he had received threatening messages from an Israeli officer warning him to cease his coverage of the violence, stating that he and his family would be targeted if he did not comply​.

His final moments were marked by a frantic call to a colleague, in which he described the intense situation around him as Israeli forces intensified their assault​.

Tributes poured in following his death, highlighting his courage and commitment to journalism amid the dire circumstances in Gaza. Many mourners expressed their grief and admiration for his dedication to bringing critical stories to light, even as the conflict resulted in significant loss of life and destruction​

This tragic event underscores the perilous conditions under which journalists operate in conflict zones, where their lives are often at risk while they seek to inform the world about the realities on the ground.